Chevrolet Traction Control (TC) Dashboard Warning Light
On a Chevrolet, the traction control light that flashes is doing its job, managing grip on a slippery road. The one to pay attention to is a light that stays on steadily, which usually means traction control is switched off or has detected a fault.
What the light means
The symbol is a car with wavy or curved lines under it. Flashing means traction control is actively cutting power or braking a spinning wheel, which is normal in rain, snow or on gravel. A steady light means the system is turned off, or the car has stored a fault and disabled it.
Traction Control
Flashing: the system is working. Steady: it is off or has a fault.
What to do: For flashing, drive gently. For steady, check the TC button, then have it scanned.
Why it stays on and how to fix it
First, make sure you did not press the traction control button by accident, which is often on the center console or turn-signal stalk. Press it to switch the system back on. If it stays on by itself, the common causes are a faulty wheel-speed sensor, a problem shared with the ABS system, a steering-angle sensor, or low battery voltage. Because traction control shares parts with ABS, the two lights often come on together. Have the codes read to find the exact sensor, since guessing can get expensive.
Common questions
Why is my Chevrolet traction control light on?
If it flashes, the system is managing grip and that is normal. If it stays on, either you switched it off with the button, or a fault such as a wheel-speed sensor has disabled it. Scanning the codes shows which.
Is it safe to drive with the traction control light on?
You can drive, but if the light is steady the system may be disabled, so take extra care in the rain or snow. Get the underlying fault fixed to restore full traction protection.
How do I turn traction control back on?
Press the traction control button, usually marked with the same car-and-wavy-lines symbol. If the light will not clear after pressing it, the system has a fault and needs to be scanned.